Apparatus and method for building a playlist

ABSTRACT

In a digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist is claimed. At least one image program and at least one audio program is displayed. Each image program comprises encoded data representing image information, and each audio program comprising encoded data representing audio information. Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified, compatibility of selected image programs and selected audio programs is verifying.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] I. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to digital cinema. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methodfor creating a playlist in a digital cinema system.

[0003] II. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In the traditional film industry, theatre operators receive reelsof celluloid film from a studio or through a distributor for eventualpresentation in a theatre auditorium. The reels of film include thefeature program (a full-length motion picture) and a plurality ofpreviews and other promotional material, often referred to as trailers.The theatre operator may also be required or choose to present some itsown trailers, often comprising of local promotional and advertisingmaterial.

[0005] For presentation, a theatre operator builds a “platter”, orplaylist. This involves sequencing reels of celluloid film in the orderin which it is to be presented, and physically splicing together thefilm to be played by the projector. In between trailers, or between atrailer and the feature, it is sometimes desirable to display a “blackscreen”. A black screen is several seconds of blank film, which providesfor a transition and somewhat of a dramatic affect between differenttrailers or features. To create a black screen, the theatre operatorphysically splices blank film into the desired areas in the same manneras trailers are put together.

[0006] A theatre operator also inserts cues and milestones ontocelluloid film by physically attaching trigger strips onto the film.Cues may be attached in between programming, or within a particularfeature or trailer. Currently, a theatre operator controls auditoriumenvironment through the use of a theatre automation systems. Theatreautomation systems control such functions as turning lights on and off,opening and closing curtains, and changing the projector lens. Theatreautomation systems control these functions by reading a trigger stripphysically placed onto the film as the film passes through a readerconnected to the theatre automation system. Trigger strips are typicallymetallic or optical pieces of tape adhered onto the film. When the tapepasses under the reader, an electrical signal is output to the theatreautomation system. There are many theatre automation systems availableand no uniform way in which theatre automation systems operate. That is,where a trigger strip is placed relative to a frame on the film willcause different theatre automation systems to behave differently. Forexample, a trigger strip may be placed on a left edge of the film,called an inboard cue, the center of the film, called a center cue, orthe right edge of the film, called an outboard cue. Other theatreautomation systems interpret only a single trigger strip regardless ofwhere the trigger strip is placed relative to a frame on the film, ormandate in what position the strip must be placed (inboard, center, oroutboard) in order to be read. Further still, other theatre automationsystems attach meaning to combinations or sequences of trigger strips.

[0007] If a theatre operator wants to insert a cue during a presentationof a program, as studios sometimes mandate, the operator must physicallylook at the frames on the reel of film to determine where the cue shouldbe inserted. Alternatively, the operator may estimate where a triggerstrip should be placed by knowing that “x” number of feet of film isequal to about “y” seconds during presentation. For example, a “lightson” cue may be inserted ten seconds after the credits begin. The theatreoperator would then physically attach the metallic or optical strip ontothe proper place on the film by estimating how many feet of filmtranslates into a ten second delay.

[0008] Trailers and features each have associated ratings, which definethe appropriateness of the material for a given audience. In the UnitedStates, ratings are labeled to motion pictures and trailers by theMotion Picture Association of America (MPAA). However, differentjurisdictions have different ratings systems, and not all jurisdictionsare consistent as to the rating level of a given program. Accordingly, atheatre operator in a given jurisdiction need be conscious of the typesof programs he plans to display together.

[0009] Moreover, trailers and features are filmed using a specificdisplay aspect ratio. The display aspect ratio refers to how the imagewas filmed and how the studio wants the image to be displayed.Typically, images are presented on projectors using either a scope lensor a flat lens. The cinema scope has a ratio of 2.35:1 and a flat lenshas a ratio of 1:85:1. The ratio refers to the horizontal plane versusthe vertical plane from the size the image is projected onto the screen.Further, various projectors are sensitive to the type of scanning orchroma sampling.

[0010] Along with reels of films comprising features and trailers, thetheatre operator receives one or more soundtracks to be played with eachfilm. Soundtracks come in a variety of languages and sound formats.Sound formats, such as stereo, 7.1, or 5.1, refer to the number ofchannels the sound format requires. Because sound systems vary greatlyfrom theatre to theatre, the studio or distributor typically shipmultiple soundtracks for a given film.

[0011] When a theatre operator is building a platter or playlist, theoperator must be careful to ensure that the playlist is createdaccurately. For example, each image program should have the appropriatesoundtrack loaded, in terms of language and sound format. Moreover, theimage programs on the platter should have the appropriate ratings. Thatis, one wants to ensure that an “R” rated trailer is not displayed witha “G” rated movie. Further, cues must be inserted in the proper placesand the correct lens needs to be attached to the projector in order forviewing at the proper display aspect ratio. However, human error isinevitable and all too frequent.

[0012] Further, an evolution of the film industry is occurring as theindustry moves from celluloid film to digitized image and audioprograms. Theatres are not equipped to process digital programming tocreate “digital platters.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] With the advent of Digital Cinema systems, full-length motionpictures, trailers, advertisements and other audio/image“cinema-quality” programs are delivered to theatres throughout the worldusing digital technology. Digital Cinema systems deliver motion picturesthat have been digitized, compressed and encrypted to theatres usingeither physical media distribution (such as DVD-ROM's) or electronictransmission methods, such as satellite.

[0014] Authorized theatres automatically receive the digitized programsand store them, typically while still encrypted and compressed. At eachshowing, the digitized information is retrieved via a local area networkfrom the storage medium, then is decrypted, decompressed and displayedusing cinema-quality electronic projectors featuring high qualitydigital sound.

[0015] Accordingly, an apparatus and method for creating a playlist, ora digital platter, in a digital cinema system is described.Specifically, a method for creating a playlist comprises displaying atleast one image program and at least one audio program. Each imageprogram comprising encoded data representing image information and eachaudio program comprising encoded data representing audio information.Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified,compatibility of the selected image programs and the selected audioprograms is verified. In an embodiment, the method may also compriselinking the specified audio program to the specified image program toform a selected program, and sequencing the selected programs in theorder which presentation is desired.

[0016] In another embodiment, an insert such as a cue, an embedded cue,and a black screen may be inserted in the playlist and sequenced. In yetan embodiment, the selection of audio programs is limited to a subset ofaudio programs, where each subset of audio programs is based on eachimage program selected.

[0017] Each image program and each audio program may have associatedindicators, such as a ratings indicator, an aspect ratio indicator, ascanning indicator, a chroma sampling indicator, a language indicator,an audio format indicator and a ratings indicator, and a projector lensindicator. A warning indicative of incompatibility may be displayed if amismatch situation occurs.

[0018] In an apparatus of an embodiment, a playlist builder isconfigured to build a playlist comprising of image and audio programs.In another embodiment, cues and black screens are also in the playlist.Each image and audio program may comprise an indicator. A compatibilitychecker is electrically connected to the playlist builder, the andconfigured to verify compatibility of the image and audio programs bycomparing the indicators from the image and audio programs. Indicatorsinclude a ratings indicator, an aspect ratio indicator, a scanningindicator, and a chroma sampling indicator, a language indicator, and anaudio format indicator. Upon verification, a selected program iscreated. In an embodiment, the playlist builder may further comprise asequencer configured to sequence selected programs, cues and blackscreens in the order in which presentation is desired. In yet anotherembodiment, a scheduler is electrically connected to the playlistbuilder and configured to schedule the verified playlist forpresentation at a specified time and place.

[0019] Accordingly, it is an aspect of an embodiment to avoid a ratingsmismatch between different image programs.

[0020] It is another aspect of an embodiment to avoid aspect ratiomismatches between image programs.

[0021] It is another aspect of an embodiment to avoid languagemismatches between selected audio programs.

[0022] It is another aspect of an embodiment to avoid a projectormismatch.

[0023] It is another aspect of an embodiment to avoid mismatches betweenaudio programs.

[0024] It is another aspect of an embodiment to allow for convenient andaccurate input of cues and offset cues, and to be able to reference cueson an event basis.

[0025] It is another aspect of an embodiment to enable a user to easilysequence programming material.

[0026] It is another aspect of an embodiment to limit the selection ofaudio programs to that of a selected image program.

[0027] It is another aspect of an embodiment to interface with existingtheatre automation systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The features, objects, and advantages of the invention willbecome more apparent from the detailed description set forth below whentaken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referencecharacters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a digital cinema system;

[0030]FIG. 2 illustrates a theatre manager and its associatedinterfaces;

[0031]FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process of creating aplaylist;

[0032]FIG. 4 illustrates a window showing a list of image programs;

[0033]FIG. 5 illustrates a window showing details of a selected program;

[0034]FIG. 6 is a continuation of FIG. 3, illustrating additionalfeatures of a selected program;

[0035]FIG. 7 illustrates a window showing available audio programs for aselected image program;

[0036]FIG. 8 illustrates a window showing selecting or creating a cue;

[0037]FIG. 9 illustrates a window showing selecting or creating anoffset cue;

[0038]FIG. 10 illustrates a window showing a black screen;

[0039]FIG. 11 illustrates a window showing a warning indicative ofincompatibility due to a ratings mismatch; and

[0040]FIG. 12 illustrates a window showing a created playlist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] A digital cinema system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The digitalcinema system 100 comprises two main systems: at least one centralfacility or hub 102 and at least one presentation or theatre subsystem104. The hub 102 and the theatre subsystem 104 are of a similar designto that of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/075,152 filed onMay 8, 1998, entitled, “Apparatus and Method for Distribution of HighQuality Image and Audio Programs to Remote Locations,” and pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/564,174, filed May 3, 2000, entitled,“Apparatus and Method for Encoding and Storage of Digital Image andAudio Signals,” and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/563,880,filed May 3, 2000, entitled, “Apparatus and Method for Decoding DigitalImage and Audio Signals,” all assigned to the same assignee as thepresent invention, and are incorporated by reference herein.

[0042] In an embodiment, image and audio information are compressed andstored on a storage medium, and distributed from the hub 102 to thetheatre subsystem 104. Generally, one theatre subsystem 104 is utilizedfor each theatre or presentation location in a network of presentationlocations that is to receive image or audio information, and includessome centralized equipment as well as certain equipment employed foreach presentation auditorium.

[0043] In the central hub 102, a source generator 108 receives filmmaterial and generates a digital version of the film. The digitalinformation is compressed and encrypted by a compressor/encryptor (CE)112, and stored on a storage medium by a hub storage device 116. Anetwork manager 120 monitors and sends control information to the sourcegenerator 108, the CE 112, and the hub storage device 116. A conditionalaccess manager 124 provides specific electronic keying information suchthat only specific theaters are authorized to show specific programs.

[0044] In the theatre subsystem 104, a theatre manager 128 controls oneor multiple auditorium subsystems 132. The theatre manager 128 controlsloading, building a playlist, and controlling and monitoringpresentation of image and audio information. The theatre manager mayalso maintain a history of image and audio programs presented. In anembodiment, each theatre manager may comprise of many auditoriummanagers, based on the number of auditoriums in a given theatre. In suchcases, each auditorium manager controls loading, building a playlist,controlling and monitoring presentation, and maintaining a history ofits respective auditorium. Each auditorium manager also interfaces withexisting theatre automation systems (TAS) 156 for control ofenvironmental functions.

[0045] Based on control information received from the theatre manager128, a theatre storage device 136 transfers compressed informationstored on the storage medium to a playback module 140. The playbackmodule 140 receives the compressed information from the theatre storagedevice 136, and prepares the compressed information to a predeterminedsequence, size and data rate. The playback module 140 outputs thecompressed information to a decoder 144. The decoder 144 inputscompressed information from the playback module 140 and performsdecryption, decompression and formatting, and outputs the image andaudio information to a projector 148 and a sound module 152. Theprojector 148 plays the image information and the sound module 152 playssound information on a sound system, both under control of the theatremanager 128.

[0046]FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of the theatre orauditorium manager 204 and its interfaces. The auditorium manager 204comprises of lists or databases of image programs 208 and audio programs212. The auditorium manager may also comprise user definable or lists ofcues 216 and black screens 220. A playlist builder 224 is configured toallow a user to build a playlist. The playlist builder 224 is configuredto interface with a compatibility checker 228 to avoid mismatching. Uponsuccessful compatibility, a final playlist 232 is created. The finalplaylist is configured to interface with a scheduler 236, which isconfigured to schedule final playlist 232 for presentation in adesignated auditorium at a designated time. Upon playback through anauditorium subsystem 240, the auditorium manager 204 interfaces with anexisting theatre automation system 244 as necessary for environmentalcontrol.

[0047]FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process in which the theatremanager or auditorium manager may create a playlist 300. In operation, alist of image programs are displayed to the user 304. In an embodimentthat is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 4, a separate“select program” window is presented. The list of image programs 304comprise feature programs, such as motion pictures, and trailerprograms, which are typically credits, previews or other promotional oradvertisement information. Slides, black screens and other imageprograms may also be listed.

[0048] Once a user selects an image program into the playlist (308), alist of available audio programs, or soundtracks, is presented (312). Inan embodiment that is described in further detail with respect to FIG.7, a separate “select sound sets” window is presented. The list ofavailable audio programs 312 presented may be limited to thosecompatible with the selected image program 308. The user then selects(316) the audio program to be associated with the selected imageprogram. If only one audio program is available for the selected imageprogram, the audio program is automatically selected. The selected audioprogram 316 may then be linked (320) with the selected image program308. The user then may select additional image programs 304 andassociated audio programs 312 to build the playlist.

[0049] The user may also be presented with a list of cues 324. In anembodiment that is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 8, aseparate “cue properties” window is presented. When a cue is selected(328), the playlist saves a command executable at a predetermined timethat sends a signal to an existing theatre automation system to controlthe auditorium environment. Aspects that may be controlled includeturning on or off theatre lights, opening or closing curtains, oradjusting masking. Masking refers to short curtains on each side of ascreen that frame the screen, so that the projected image fits nicelyonto the screen within the masking. Cues may also dictate the type ofprojector or the projector lens. Currently, projectors have multiplelenses that may change from a flat lens to a scope lens. Cues may alsocontrol the type of audio system being used. In another embodiment, thecues generated may control many types of theatre automation systems.

[0050] A user may also wish to insert a black screen 332. If so, theuser selects an insert black screen icon and an insert black screenwindow is presented. Details are described herein with respect to FIG.10. The user may then select the length of time for the black screen tobe displayed (336).

[0051] The user can select to save the platter or playlist to 340 at anytime. This initiates a compatibility check process 344. In an embodimentthat is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 11, a warningindicative of incompatibility window is presented. A warning is issuedwhen indicators such as ratings, aspect ratio, language, audio format,scanning, projector lens, and chroma sampling are mismatched. Uponsuccessful completion of the compatibility check process, the playlistis created and the process ends 348. The created playlist, or digitalplatter, may then be scheduled for later viewing.

[0052] In an alternate embodiment, a user may be presented with a singlelist of image and audio programs. The user then may select anycombination of image and audio programs into the playlist. In yetanother embodiment, the user may initiate “select program”, “selectsound sets”, “select cue”, “select offset cue” and “select black screen”windows by selecting an icon. The user may select an icon using anystandard user input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, orvoice commands.

[0053] In yet another embodiment, the compatibility check process 344may occur at any point where compatibility may be an issue. For example,upon selection of multiple image and audio programs, compatibility withrespect to language, sound format, cues or projector requirements may berun.

[0054] In another embodiment, the playlist builder is a computerreadable medium containing instructions for controlling a computersystem to display at least one image program and at least one audioprogram, each image and audio program comprising encoded datarepresenting image information. The computer readable medium alsoverifys the compatibility of the selected image programs and theselected audio programs.

[0055] In another embodiment, the playlist builder is a computer programproduct comprising a computer usable medium having computer readablecode embodied therein for creating a playlist. The computer usablemedium comprises means for displaying at least one image program and atleast one audio program, each image and audio program comprising encodeddata representing image information. The computer program product alsocomprises means for verifying the compatibility of the selected imageprograms and the selected audio programs.

[0056] In another embodiment, the playlist builder is a memory forstoring data for access by a process being executed by a processor. Thememory comprises a structure for maintaining information on creating aplaylist of digitized image and audio programs. The memory alsocomprises an indicator that indicates compatibility of the image programand audio programs.

[0057]FIG. 4 illustrates a window displaying a list of image programs400. In an embodiment, the list of programs comprise a name field 404, aduration field 408, and a ratings field 212. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that additional fields regarding program attributes mayalso be listed, such as aspect ratios or designations indicative of thetype of image program, such as feature, trailer, or advertisement. Thedisplay may also comprise an indicator field 416 showing whether aprogram has been selected. The name field 404 provides for the name ofthe image program and, optionally, a descriptive reference. The durationfield 408 indicates the length of time needed for the image program tobe presented at a normal operational rates of speed. It should be notedthat an audio program need not exist, or be played with, an imageprogram.

[0058] The rating field 416 indicates the rating of the program. Therating 412 defines the appropriateness of the material for a givenaudience. In the United States, ratings are labeled to motion picturesand trailers by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).However, different jurisdictions have different rating systems.Accordingly, the ratings field 412 may be altered given a givenjurisdiction's ratings scheme.

[0059] The window of image programs 400 may also comprise an add button420 and a details button 424. If the user selects the add button 420,the selected program is selected and added to the playlist. A separateplaylist window may be created upon selecting a program. Selection ofthe details button 424 initiates a program details window, whichprovides additional and more specific information about the selectedimage program. The program details window is described in greater detailwith respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. A close button 428 closes the selectprograms screen 400. Also, a help button 432 may be provided to furtherassist a user in the selection process.

[0060] If a user selects the details button 424, a program detailswindow 500 is launched, which is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Theprogram details window 500 may have a number of fields that furtherdescribe any given image program. Typically, the settings in the variousfields of the details window originate from the media descriptor files,or meta data files. Fields may include a duration field 504, a ratingsfield 508, a feature field 512, an auditable field 516, a mediaidentification field 520, a description field 524, a media size field528, a copyright field 532, and a created field 536. The auditable field516 refers to program that maintains a history of which programs wereplayed at given times and auditoriums. In an embodiment, the field isconfigurable such that the user may activate or inactivate thisfunction. The media identification field 520, or program distributionidentifier, refers to a unique identifier for a given image or audioprogram. The media size field 528 refers to the size, in bytes, of theselected program. The copyright field 532 indicates the owner of thecopyright for the selected program. The created field 536 refers to thetime and place the digitized program was created.

[0061] The program details screen may also include additional imageinformation, ratings information, and milestone information. Additionalfields include a pixel width field 540, a pixel height field 544, apixel aspect ratio field 548, a scanning field 552, a chroma samplingfield 556, and a color space field 604 (shown in FIG. 6). The pixelwidth field 540 refers to the number of pixels along a horizontaldimension of the image program. The pixel height field 544 refers to thenumber of pixels along a horizontal dimension of the image program. Thepixel aspect ratio field 548 refers to ratio of the pixel width andpixel height.

[0062] The scanning field 552 refers to indicators such as the type ofscanning used to create, and therefore needed to decode, the imageprogram. There are two main types of scanning: progressive scanning andinterlaced scanning. Both refer to how image frames are updated. Inprogressive scanning, pixels are rendered in sequence, row by row. Ininterlace scanning, pixels are rendered in an every other row format.Accordingly, pixels in each even row may be rendered, followed by pixelsin each odd row. The chroma sampling field 556 refers to an indicator asto how color components are sampled in color components YCrCb. Chromasampling formats include 4:4:4, 4:4:2, and 4:2:0. Entries in thescanning field 552 and the chroma sampling field 556 are significant forprojector compatibility reasons. Certain projectors may only be able toprocess programs scanned or chroma sampled in particular ways.

[0063]FIG. 6 illustrates additional ratings field 608 that indicate therating indicator of the program in different jurisdictions. Accordingly,a theatre operator may select the rating for a given program, andthereby affect the ratings compatibility function, based onjurisdiction.

[0064]FIG. 6 also illustrates a milestone field 612. The milestone field612 may comprise a description field 616 and a time code field 620. Thedescription field 616 allows for a easily understood reference thatcorresponds to a given time. The time code field 620 indicates the timeat which the milestone described in the description field 616 occurs.Generally, milestones refer to content related events. Milestones may bepoints of interest that occur in a feature or trailer, and is a label ofthe point of interest that occurs at a particular time. It is possibleto specify that a cue occur at some specified time before or after themilestone. Examples of points of interest include opening of credits,start of closing credits, special effects, closing credits going toblack, or closing credits on black. Frequently, the closing credits maystart coming over the screen and then, at some sudden point, thebackground will go black and the viewer is able to view the rest of thedetailed credits. Functionally, operation of a milestone is similar tothat of a cue. That is, a trigger is sent to the theatre operatingsystem to initiate some environmental control at the times indicated.

[0065]FIG. 7 illustrates a display of an audio programs select menuwindow 700. In FIG. 7, the audio select menu is limited to audioprograms available for a particular selected image program. Such alimitation minimizes error when building a playlist. However, this maybe configurable to allow for any audio program to be selected with anyimage program. In the example of FIG. 7, the image program “How theGrinch Stole Christmas” was selected. The selection of “How the GrinchStole Christmas” image program initiated the window of potential audioprograms 700. The audio programs window may comprise of a number offields, such as an identification field 704, a language field 708, anaudio channel field 712, and a description field 716. The identificationfield 704 is a unique identifier for a given audio program. The languagefield 708 indicates the language of the particular audio program. Thechannel field 712 indicates the sound format of the particular audioprogram. In an embodiment, the sound formats available are compatiblewith the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineer (SMPTE)standard 323M. SMPTE standard 322M describes standard channel typeassignments. For example, sound format 5.1 supports left, right, center,left surround, right surround, subwoofer, mono surround, left total, andright total audio outputs.

[0066] In another embodiment, a ratings indicator may be associated witheach audio program. Certain audio programs originally created for matureaudiences may be “toned down” to become more appropriate for youngeraudiences. Accordingly, more than one audio program of the same audioformat may be available.

[0067] The description field 716 indicates a description of the audioprogram. In addition, a help button 720 is also available to assist auser in selection of audio programs. Upon selection of an “OK” button724, the selected audio program is linked to the selected image program.Upon playback, linking allows the display of the image program and theaudio program to be synchronized. The process of linking the twoprograms is transparent to the user.

[0068]FIG. 8 illustrates a window of selecting or creating a cue insert800. It is an aspect of an embodiment to allow for convenient andaccurate input of cues. Further, it is another aspect to allow cues tobe referenced by events, instead of merely being referenced by time. Inan embodiment, if a user wants to insert a cue, the user clicks on thecue icon button 804 that initiates a cue properties window 808. The cueproperties window 808 comprises a cue description field 812 and severalfields to indicate the cue type: an inboard cue 816, a center cue 820,and an outboard cue 824. The selection of various combinations ofinboard 816, center 820, and outboard 824 may be thought of as a threebit system indicating to the theatre automation system the type of cueto be inserted. Certain theatre automation systems attach meaning to thecombinations of cues and thus behave differently based on thecombination of the inboard cue 816, center cue 820, and outboard cue824. In other words, selecting different combinations of inboard 816,center 820, and outboard 824 imply different functions to differenttheatre automation systems. Accordingly, selection of cues emulatesinput commands to theatre automation systems.

[0069]FIG. 9 illustrates a display screen of selecting or creating anoffset cue insert 900. In an embodiment, upon selection of an offset cueicon 904 the cue properties window 908 for an offset cue insert isinitiated. The offset cue window 908 may comprise of a number of fields,including a cue description field 912, an inboard cue 916, a center cue920, and an outboard cue 924. The cue properties window 908 also allowsa user to select a reference point 928 from which an offset cue insertis triggered. In an embodiment, milestones are used as the list ofreference points. A reference point, for example, may be start ofprogram, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The user may then select a timeoffset 932 as being none, before, or after, and input a number ofminutes and seconds in minutes:seconds field 936 from which the cue willbe offset.

[0070] An offset cue insert may be placed anywhere within a program ofthe playlist that the theatre operator desires. For example, an offsetcue may initiate a special effect to occur within a certain time periodof a function in a movie. For example, if a scene in a movie has arocket launch at time 1 hour 26 minutes 32 seconds, the operator maywant to have a special effect, such as wind, to occur 5 seconds afterthe time of the rocket launch. Accordingly, the user would select areference point in field 928 to be rocket launch, and select the afterbox in the time offset field. The user may then insert “0:5” in theminute:seconds field for the effect of wind to occur 5 seconds after thelaunch of the rocket. Internally, the time of “rocket launch” from thestart of the program is known. Thus, the inserting an offset of fiveseconds (0:5 in field 936) may actually be interpreted as 1 hour, 26minutes 37 seconds from start of program.

[0071] During playback, when a cue is triggered, an electrical signal issent through a relay card to an existing theatre automation system. Inan embodiment, the auditorium manager allows for configuration of therelay card to operate with a plurality of theatre automation systems.The auditorium manager also allows for a user configurable signal, basedon requirements of the theatre automation system.

[0072]FIG. 10 illustrates a black screen properties window 1000. It isan aspect of an embodiment to allow for convenient and accurate creationof a black screen insert. To display a black screen for a period oftime, the user simply inputs the number of seconds desired in blackscreen duration field 804. A black screen insert entry is created in theplaylist in the same manner as any image program or cue. In anembodiment, a black screen command in the playlist is interpreted in thedecoder upon playback. Thus, the decoder plays plain black screen for nnumber of seconds as defined in the black screen duration field 1004.This is advantageous in that, unlike cues, no interaction with existingtheatre automation systems is necessary.

[0073]FIG. 11 illustrates a display issuing a warning indicative ofincompatibility 1100 due to a ratings mismatch. Because the humanelement has been removed from the process of building a playlist, errorsdue to incompatibility of and between image programs, audio programs andprojectors is minimized. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the platterbuilder3window 1102 comprises a name field 1104, a duration field 1108, a ratingfield 1112, an aspect ratio field 1116, and a details field 1120. Thedetails field 1120 contains information such as the language of theaudio program associated with the image program and the sound format. Ifany of the programs selected in the platter have a mismatch, the warningwindow 1100 is displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, therating for “Preview: 2001: A Space Odyssey” is rated PG, while theremainder of the programs have a rating of G. Accordingly, the warningwindow 1100 shows an incompatibility of the ratings field. Similarly,warnings with respect to aspect ratio, language, sound format, orprojector compatibility may also be issued.

[0074] Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that anylevel of warning may be issued to the user, including not allowing theuser to complete building a platter due to certain mismatches. Forexample, a warning may be sufficient when a PG program is in the sameplatter as G programs. However, if an image program with a rating of Xis intermixed with other programs with the rating of G, the warning maybe changed to an absolute prohibition of building such a platter.Similarly, absolute prohibitions may be issued for languageincompatibility, language incompatibility, or aspect ratioincompatibility.

[0075] In an embodiment, each rating is assigned a numerical value thatis compared in software to determine if a ratings mismatch occurred. Forexample, a value of 10 may be given to a rating of G, and a value of 20may be given to a rating of PG. Therefore, an apparatus or method maysimply compare ratings by comparing numerical values.

[0076] Similarly, international ratings may be handled in the samemanner. A warning may also be issued if a rating for one program is of agiven jurisdiction and a rating of another program is of anotherjurisdiction. Further, comparisons may be made as to the ratings indifferent jurisdictions based on the underlying rationale for a ratingin a given jurisdiction.

[0077]FIG. 12 illustrates a window 1200 of a created playlist. Theplaylist 1200 shows a start time field 1204, a name field 1208, aduration field 1212, a rating field 1216, an aspect ratio field 1220, adetails field 1224, and a time elapsed bar 1228. The start time field1204 indicates the running time that a particular cue occurs or an imageprogram is displayed. The details field 1224 indicates, for cues, thetype of cue selected (inboard, center, outboard) and, for programs, thelanguage and sound format selected. An example of an embedded cue isillustrated in box 1232. An inboard cue is set to occur 1 minute and 42seconds after the 4 minute and 43 second mark. As the program “How theGrinch Stole Christmas” is being played, starting at the 4 minute 43second mark, a signal for the embedded cue is triggered 1 minute and 42seconds later, or at the 6 minute 25 second mark (box 1236) and sent tothe theatre automation system.

[0078] In FIG. 12, the time elapsed bar 1228 is illustrated toward thebottom of the display. The time elapsed bar 1228 indicates which programis being played at a given time and the sequence of events to occur fromthe beginning to the end of the platter. If the user selects a pointer,such as pointer 1236, the program corresponding to the pointer willhighlight. Accordingly, if a user selects pointer 1236 (for example, byusing a mouse), row 1240 reflecting “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”will highlight. Similarly, if row 1240 is highlighted, point 1236 mayalso be highlighted.

[0079]FIG. 12 also illustrates a number of user selectable icons, suchas a new platter icon 1244, a select platter icon 1248, a save plattericon 1250, a work on another drive icon 1252, a cut icon 1254, a copyicon 1256, a paste icon 1258, a select program icon 1260 (described indetail with respect to FIG.4), a add cue icon 1262 (described in detailwith respect to FIG. 8), a add embedded cue icon 1264 (described indetail with respect to FIG. 9), a add black screen icon 1266 (describedin detail with respect to FIG. 10), a detailed properties icon 1268(described in detail with respect to FIGS.5 and 6), a delete entry icon1270, a select sound sets 1272 (described in detail with respect to FIG.7), an up-arrow icon 1274 and a down-arrow icon 1276.

[0080] The up-arrow icon 1274 and the down-arrow icon 1276 allow a userto easily and quickly arrange selected programs, black screens and cues.If a user selects, for example, the down-arrow icon 1276 and has the“cue lights down” row 1280 highlighted, the user may sequence thehighlighted column by using the arrow keys of a keyboard, or clickingand dragging with a mouse, or any other user input device. Thus,selected programs and cues may be easily sequenced to occur in any orderthe user desires.

[0081] The start time 1204 associated with programs or cues adjustaccordingly. In the case of an embedded cue, the embedded cue (asillustrated in box 1232) is linked to its corresponding program. Forexample, the embedded cue in box 1232 is linked to the program “How theGrinch Stole Christmas.” If the user highlights the column for theprogram “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and wishes to resequence it,the embedded cue will automatically be resequenced with that program.The start time fields 1204 will adjust for each entry accordingly.

[0082]FIG. 12 also illustrates an insert cue icon 1262. In anembodiment, as opposed to having a drop-down menu of a selection oftypes of cues, the user may optionally select the input cue icon toselect a given cue, or define its own cue.

[0083] As used herein, image programs comprise encoded imageinformation, and may comprise a number of image files. Similarly, audioprograms comprise encoded audio information, and soundtracks and maycomprise a number of audio files. Accordingly, it is recognized thatimage programs and audio programs may be combined or subdivided intogroups of encoded data in any number of manageable image files and audiofiles.

[0084] As examples, the various illustrative logical blocks, flowcharts,windows, and steps described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed in hardware or softwarewith an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, such as, e.g., registers and FIFO, a processor executing aset of firmware instructions, any conventional programmable software anda processor, or any combination thereof. The processor mayadvantageously be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, theprocessor may be any conventional processor, controller,microcontroller, or state machine. The software could reside in RAMmemory, flash memory, ROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or any other form of storage medium known inthe art.

[0085] The previous description of the preferred embodiments is providedto enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. The various modifications to these embodiments will be readyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles to findherein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventivefaculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited tothe embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

What we claim as our invention is:
 1. In a digital cinema system, amethod for creating a playlist, the method comprising: displaying atleast one image program and at least one audio program, each imageprogram comprising encoded data representing image information, eachaudio program comprising encoded data representing audio information;and responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified,verifying the compatibility of the selected image programs and theselected audio programs.
 2. The method as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising: linking the specified audio program to the specified imageprogram to form a selected program.
 3. The method as set forth in claim2, further comprising: sequencing the selected programs in the orderwhich presentation is desired.
 4. The method as set forth in claim 2,further comprising: specifying an insert from the group consisting of atleast one of the following: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen;and sequencing the selected programs and inserts in the order whichpresentation is desired.
 5. The method as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe step of selecting audio programs is limited to a subset of audioprograms, each subset of audio programs being based on each imageprogram selected.
 6. The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein eachimage program has an associated indicator, the step of varifying furthercomprising: comparing the indicator from the group consisting of atleast one of the following: a ratings indicator, an aspect ratioindicator, a scanning indicator, and a chroma sampling indicator; anddisplaying a warning indicative of incompatibility.
 7. The method as setforth in claim 2, wherein each audio program has an associatedindicator, the step of verifying further comprising: comparing theindicator from the group consisting of at least one of the following: alanguage indicator, an audio format indicator and a ratings indicator;and displaying a warning indicative of incompatibility.
 8. The method asset forth in claim 2, wherein each image program has a projector lensindicator, the step of verifying further comprising: comparing theprojector lens indicator of each image program; and displaying a warningindicative of projector incompatibility.
 9. The method as set forth inclaim 2 further comprising: displaying a warning if the same imageprogram or the same audio program is selected more than once.
 10. Themethod as set forth in claim 4, wherein sequencing further comprisesusing a user input device to move an entry corresponding to the imageprogram to a different position relative to the other displayed imageprograms.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 2, further comprising:scheduling the selected programs to be presented at a specified time.12. The method as set forth in claim 2, further comprising schedulingthe selected programs to be presented in a specified auditorium.
 13. Ina digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist, the methodcomprising: displaying at least one image program, each image programcomprising encoded data representing image information; responsive to animage program being selected, displaying at least one audio program,each audio program comprising encoded data representing audioinformation; and responsive to an audio program being selected,verifying the compatibility of the selected image program with theselected audio program.
 14. The method as set forth in claim 13, furthercomprising: linking the specified audio program to the specified imageprogram to form a selected program.
 15. The method as set forth in claim14, further comprising: sequencing the selected programs in the orderwhich presentation is desired.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 14,further comprising: specifying an insert from the group consisting of atleast one of the following: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen;and sequencing the selected programs and inserts in the order whichpresentation is desired.
 17. The method as set forth in claim 14,wherein each image program has an associated indicator, the step ofverifying further comprising: comparing the indicator from the groupconsisting of at least one of the following: a ratings indicator, anaspect ratio indicator, a scanning indicator, and a chroma samplingindicator; and displaying a warning indicative of incompatibility. 18.The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein each audio program has anassociated indicator, the step of verifying further comprising:comparing the indicator from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a language indicator, an audio format indicator and a ratingsindicator; and displaying a warning indicative of incompatibility. 19.The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein each image program has aprojector lens indicator, the step of verifying further comprising:comparing the projector lens indicator of each image program; anddisplaying a warning indicative of projector incompatibility.
 20. Themethod as set forth in claim 14 further comprising: displaying a warningif the same image program or the same audio program is selected morethan once.
 21. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein resequencingfurther comprises using a user input device to move an entrycorresponding to the image program to a different position relative tothe other displayed image programs.
 22. The method as set forth in claim14, further comprising scheduling the selected programs to be presentedat a specified time.
 23. The method as set forth in claim 14, furthercomprising scheduling the selected programs to be presented in aspecified auditorium.
 24. In a digital cinema system, an apparatusconfigured to create a playlist, the apparatus comprising: means fordisplaying at least one image program, each image program comprisingencoded data representing image information; responsive to an imageprogram being selected, means for displaying at least one audio program,each audio program comprising encoded data representing audioinformation; and responsive to an audio program being selected,verifying the compatibility of the selected image program with theselected audio program.
 25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 24,further comprising: means for linking the specified audio program to thespecified image program to form a selected program.
 26. The apparatus asset forth in claim 25, further comprising: means for sequencing theselected programs in the order which presentation is desired.
 27. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 25, further comprising: means forspecifying an insert from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen; and means forsequencing the selected programs and inserts in the order whichpresentation is desired.
 28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25,wherein each image program has an associated indicator, the means forverifying further comprising: means for comparing the indicator from thegroup consisting of at least one of the following: a ratings indicator,an aspect ratio indicator, a scanning indicator, and a chroma samplingindicator; and means for displaying a warning indicative ofincompatibility.
 29. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25, whereineach audio program has an associated indicator, the means for verifyingfurther comprising: means for comparing the indicator from the groupconsisting of at least one of the following: a language indicator, anaudio format indicator and a ratings indicator; and means for displayinga warning indicative of incompatibility.
 30. The apparatus as set forthin claim 25, wherein each image program has a projector lens indicator,the means for verifying further comprising: means for comparing theprojector lens indicator of each image program; and means for displayinga warning indicative of projector incompatibility.
 31. The apparatus asset forth in claim 25 further comprising: means for displaying a warningif the same image program or the same audio program is selected morethan once.
 32. The apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein the meansfor sequencing further comprises means for moving an entry correspondingto the image program to a different position relative to the otherdisplayed image programs.
 33. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25,further comprising means for scheduling the selected programs to bepresented at a specified time.
 34. The apparatus as set forth in claim25, further comprising means for scheduling the selected programs to bepresented in a specified auditorium.
 35. In a digital cinema system, atheatre manager apparatus comprising: a playlist builder configured tobuild a playlist comprising of image and audio programs; and acompatibility checker electrically connected to the playlist builder,the compatibility checker configured to verify compatibility of theimage and audio programs.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein theplaylist further comprises cues.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36, whereinthe playlist further comprises embedded cues.
 38. The apparatus of claim35, wherein the playlist further comprises black screens.
 39. Theapparatus of claim 35, further comprising a scheduler electricallyconnected to the playlist builder, wherein the scheduler is configuredto schedule the verified playlist for presentation at a specified timeand place.
 40. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35, wherein theplaylist builder further comprises a sequencer, wherein the sequencer isconfigured to sequence selected programs in the order in whichpresentation is desired.
 41. The apparatus as set forth in claim 35,wherein each image program has an associated indicator, thecompatibility checker further comprising: a verifier configured tocompare the indicator from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a ratings indicator, an aspect ratio indicator, a scanningindicator, and a chroma sampling indicator.
 42. The apparatus as setforth in claim 35, wherein each audio program has an associatedindicator, the compatibility checker further comprising: a verifierconfigured to compare the indicator from the group consisting of atleast one of the following: a language indicator, an audio formatindicator and a ratings indicator.
 43. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 35, wherein each image program has a projector lens indicator, thecompatibility checker further comprising: a verifier configured tocompare the projector lens indicator of each image program.
 44. In adigital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist, the methodcomprising: displaying at least one image program, each image programcomprising encoded data representing image information; responsive to animage program being selected, displaying at least one audio program,each audio program comprising encoded data representing audioinformation; and responsive to an audio program being selected,verifying the compatibility of the selected image program with theselected audio program, wherein each image program and each audioprogram comprises an indicator, wherein the step of verifying furthercomprises: upon verification, linking the specified audio program to thespecified image program to form a selected program; specifying an insertfrom the group consisting of at least one of the following: a cue, anembedded cue, and a black screen; and sequencing the selected programsand inserts in the order which presentation is desired.
 45. In a digitalcinema system, a method for creating a playlist, the method comprising:displaying at least one image program, each image program comprisingencoded data representing image information; responsive to an imageprogram being selected, displaying at least one audio program, eachaudio program comprising encoded data representing audio information;and responsive to an audio program being selected, verifying thecompatibility of the selected image program with the selected audioprogram, wherein each image program and each audio program comprises anindicator, wherein the step of verifying further comprises: comparingthe indicator from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a ratings indicator, an aspect ratio indicator, a scanningindicator, and a chroma sampling indicator a language indicator, anaudio format indicator and a ratings indicator; and displaying a warningindicative of incompatibility; upon verification, linking the specifiedaudio program to the specified image program to form a selected program;specifying an insert from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen; and sequencingthe selected programs and inserts in the order which presentation isdesired.
 46. In a digital cinema system, a theatre manager apparatuscomprising: a playlist builder configured to build a playlist comprisingof image and audio programs, cues and black screens; and a compatibilitychecker electrically connected to the playlist builder, thecompatibility checker configured to verify compatibility of the imageand audio programs; a sequencer, wherein the sequencer is configured tosequence selected programs in the order in which presentation isdesired; and a scheduler electrically connected to the playlist builder,wherein the scheduler is configured to schedule the verified playlistfor presentation at a specified time and place.
 47. In a digital cinemasystem, a theatre manager apparatus comprising: a playlist builderconfigured to build a playlist comprising of image and audio programs,cues and black screens, each image and audio program comprising anindicator; a compatibility checker electrically connected to theplaylist builder, the compatibility checker configured to verifycompatibility of the image and audio programs by comparing the indicatorfrom the group consisting of at least one of the following: a ratingsindicator, an aspect ratio indicator, a scanning indicator, and a chromasampling indicator, a language indicator, an audio format indicator anda ratings indicator, and upon verification, create a selected program;the playlist builder further comprising a sequencer, wherein thesequencer is configured to sequence selected programs, cues and blackscreens in the order in which presentation is desired; and a schedulerelectrically connected to the playlist builder, wherein the scheduler isconfigured to schedule the verified playlist for presentation at aspecified time and place.
 48. A computer readable medium containinginstructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method, themethod comprising: displaying at least one image program and at leastone audio program, each image program comprising encoded datarepresenting image information, each audio program comprising encodeddata representing audio information; and verifying the compatibility ofthe selected image programs with the selected audio programs.
 49. Themethod as set forth in claim 48, further comprising: linking thespecified audio program to the specified image program to form aselected program; and sequencing the selected programs in the orderwhich presentation is desired.
 50. The method as set forth in claim 49,further comprising: specifying an insert from the group consisting of atleast one of the following: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen;and sequencing the selected programs and inserts in the order whichpresentation is desired.
 51. The method as set forth in claim 48,wherein the step of selecting audio programs is limited to a subset ofaudio programs, each subset of audio programs being based on each imageprogram selected.
 52. The method as set forth in claim 49, wherein eachimage program has an associated indicator, varifying further comprising:comparing the indicator from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: a ratings indicator, an aspect ratio indicator, a scanningindicator, and a chroma sampling indicator; and displaying a warningindicative of incompatibility.
 53. The method as set forth in claim 49,wherein each audio program has an associated indicator, the step ofverifying further comprising: comparing the indicator from the groupconsisting of at least one of the following: a language indicator, anaudio format indicator and a ratings indicator; and displaying a warningindicative of incompatibility.
 54. The method as set forth in claim 49,wherein each image program has a projector lens indicator, the step ofverifying further comprising: comparing the projector lens indicator ofeach image program; and displaying a warning indicative of projectorincompatibility.
 55. A computer program product comprising: a computerusable medium having computer readable code embodied therein forcreating a playlist, the computer usable medium comprising: means fordisplaying at least one image program and at least one audio program,each image program comprising encoded data representing imageinformation, each audio program comprising encoded data representingaudio information; and responsive to an audio program being selected,means for verifying the compatibility of the selected image programswith the selected audio programs.
 56. The product as set forth in claim55, further comprising: means for linking the specified audio program tothe specified image program to form a selected program, and means forsequencing the selected programs in the order which presentation isdesired.
 57. The product as set forth in claim 56, further comprising:means for specifying an insert from the group consisting of at least oneof the following: a cue, an embedded cue, and a black screen; and meansfor sequencing the selected programs and inserts in the order whichpresentation is desired.
 58. The apparatus as set forth in claim 56,wherein each image program has an associated indicator, the means forverifying further comprising: means for comparing the indicator from thegroup consisting of at least one of the following: a ratings indicator,an aspect ratio indicator, a scanning indicator, and a chroma samplingindicator; and means for displaying a warning indicative ofincompatibility.
 59. The apparatus as set forth in claim 56, whereineach audio program has an associated indicator, the means for verifyingfurther comprising: means for comparing the indicator from the groupconsisting of at least one of the following: a language indicator, anaudio format indicator and a ratings indicator; and means for displayinga warning indicative of incompatibility.
 60. A memory for storing datafor access by a process being executed by a processor, the memorycomprising: a structure for maintaining information on creating aplaylist of digitized image and audio programs, including an indicatorconfigured to indicate compatibility of the image program and audioprograms.
 61. The memory as set forth in claim 60, wherein the indicatoris a ratings indicator.
 62. The memory as set forth in claim 60, whereinthe indicator is an audio format indicator.
 63. The memory as set forthin claim 60, wherein the indicator is a language indicator.